Elaine Taylor, the Yukon's Environment Minister and chair of Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), welcomed federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers to Whitehorse today for the annual CCME meeting.

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment is the major intergovernmental forum in Canada for discussion and joint action on environmental issues of national and international importance.

"In Yukon and across the circumpolar North, the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent and better understood with wide reaching impacts on building infrastructure, highways, traditional ways of life and wildlife populations," Taylor said Monday.

"Collaboration and co-ordination are essential elements to any effective response to climate change.

"CCME, through its work and joint action on national priorities such as water, has demonstrated how effective inter-governmental relations can advance environmental issues of importance in Canada."

Items for discussion include climate change, municipal wastewater and a national approach to extended producer responsibility and packaging.

The meeting is closed to the media.

The ministers were scheduled to hold a news conference early this afternoon. See Wednesday's Star for coverage.